Obituary of BETTY ADELIA CHURKO

After a life well lived, Betty passed away peacefully at the age of 93 years with her family by her side.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Wilf, brothers; Al, Doug, Ray, Bruce, and Gerry. She will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by son, Marty Churko, daughters; Cindi Steg (Barry), Wendy Hein (Randy), grandsons; Wyatt and Brandson Hein, Liam Churko, sisters – in – law; Jean, Eleanor and Shirley Smallwood, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Betty was born in Winnipeg and raised in Elmwood. Coming from a family of six children, Betty was the only daughter of Edna and Herbert Smallwood. Wilf and Betty were married October 11, 1952. They lived on the corner of Union Avenue and Brazier Street for most of their married life, where she raised her family with her beloved husband of 59 years.

We have wonderful memories to cherish growing up, as our Mom was a stay - at - home Mom and we always thought that was so special. Be it camping, ice skating, car trips, picnics, tobogganing, Mom was game for anything. She always volunteered for Wendy’s many high school activities, and made time to go with Cindi to her numerous musical events. She had a passion for fishing which she enjoyed with Marty and Liam. She was proud of her grandson’s accomplishments, and was always so excited to see them.

She was an avid reader of The Free Press, as she religiously read it everyday day. She was forever handing us clippings she thought we should read with our names scribbled across the top. Obituaries were clipped out, so she would be thrilled if you saved hers.

Our Mom was all about having fun. Our parents’ cottage was widely known in Grand Marais for Canada Day, as well as Western and Mexican themed parties. Every year the annual Lip Sync Concert at Grand Beach was something our Mom absolutely loved performing at on stage. Line dancing, a good yard sale, volunteering for the Santa Claus Parade, bird watching, and singing in Puerto Vallarta Mexico at Cafe Roma were all ways she loved to spend her time.

After Dad passed away in 2012, everything changed for Mom. She adjusted to living on her own at Concordia Village. When the signs and symptoms of dementia were apparent, we knew Mom would be happier and safer at Irene Baron Eden Center where she stayed for a year. Middlechurch became her final home where we said goodbye.

Although Mom’s last few years were a challenge, she always had a smile on her face and welcomed a good visit. She missed her dancing partner (our Dad) – and couldn’t wait to see him again. We know they are dancing among the stars to their favorite song.

‘’Could I Have this Dance for the rest of my life

Would you be my partner every night

When we’re together it feels so right

Could I Have this Dance for the rest of my Life’’

The kindness, care and dignity that the staff of Middlechurch Home extended to Mom over the past four plus years was extraordinary. We are forever grateful to them for their loving compassion and for enriching her life with strolls in the courtyard, activities, music, and making it possible for her granddog to make weekly visits whom she adored.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Women’s Brain Health Initiative – To Combat Brain-Aging Diseases in Women.

A private family burial will take place at Glen Eden Cemetery. Celebration of Life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel Transcona, 1800 Day Street on Friday, December 6 at 1:00 P.M.